Abstract

Background

Recent insights provide support for the treatment of cancer during pregnancy, a coincidence
that poses both mother and fetus at risk. Our aim was to critically review studies
on the physiologic variations during pregnancy, the most common tumor markers used
in diagnosis and follow-up of gynecological cancers.

Results

For CA 15-3, 3.3% to 20.0% of all measurements were above the cut-off (maximum 56
U/mL in the third trimester). Squamous cell carcinoma antigen values were above cut-off
in 3.1% and 10.5% of the measurements (maximum 4.3 µg/L in the third trimester). Up
to 35% of CA 125 levels were above cut-off: levels were highest in the first trimester,
with a maximum value up to 550 U/mL. Inhibin B, anti-Müllerian hormone and lactate
dehydrogenase levels were not elevated in maternal serum during normal pregnancy.